The garden retail industry is currently grappling with a significant challenge: a shortage of professionals possessing strong horticultural knowledge. As interest in home gardening continues to rise, the need for well-informed staff in garden centres and nurseries becomes increasingly critical. Unfortunately, this demand is not being met, leading to a noticeable gap in expertise that affects customer satisfaction and business performance. This shortage can be attributed to several key factors, each contributing to the growing disparity between the industry's needs and the available talent.
A lot of experienced professionals are nearing retirement, and their departure from the industry is creating a vacuum that younger generations have not been adequately prepared to fill. At the same time, shifts in educational priorities have seen fewer students choosing horticulture as a career path. The focus on technology and business in modern education has overshadowed traditional fields like horticulture, leading to a decline in students pursuing this area of study. This trend is further compounded by a general lack of awareness and appreciation for horticultural careers. Many potential candidates do not realise the diverse and rewarding opportunities available in garden retail or a career within horticulture, often perceiving the field as limited in scope and growth potential.
The industry often operates on tight profit margins, which can limit the resources available for staff training and development. This lack of investment in education means that many employees do not receive the necessary training to develop their horticultural skills, resulting in a workforce that lacks the depth of knowledge required to provide high-quality service.
The implications of this knowledge gap are far-reaching. For customers, a lack of expert advice can lead to poor plant choices, improper care, and ultimately, dissatisfaction with their gardening experiences. Inaccurate information about plant care, pest management can also result in increased returns and losses for businesses. Moreover, the inability of garden centre staff to maintain healthy plants due to insufficient knowledge can lead to higher wastage rates and reduced sales, only yesterday I was speaking to a business where this keeps happening which impacts the financial performance of the business which is to its detriment, especially with the awful season most businesses have already had this year.
To address this issue, the garden retail industry should take steps to try to change this. Investing in education and training is crucial. Businesses should prioritise training programs that provide staff with the necessary knowledge and skills, potentially through partnerships with colleges and extension services. Promoting horticultural careers is also vital. The industry can collaborate with schools and community organisations to highlight the varied opportunities within horticulture, helping to attract new talent. Fostering a workplace culture that values horticulture and encourages continuous learning can inspire employees to deepen their expertise and passion for the field.
In a nutshell, the shortage of horticultural expertise in the garden retail industry is a multifaceted challenge that requires a concerted effort to overcome. By investing in education, raising awareness about the value of horticultural careers, and fostering a culture of learning, the industry can bridge this gap. Addressing this shortage is essential not only for improving business outcomes but also for promoting sustainable practices. As we nurture a more knowledgeable and passionate workforce, we lay the foundation for the future for the garden retail industry.
How can we help?
As garden retail recruitment specialists, we have an in-depth understanding of the garden retail industry, including its unique challenges, trends, and the specific skill requirements for various positions. We provide valuable market insights to garden retail businesses, including information on salary trends, the competitive hiring landscape, and talent availability. With experience working closely with both candidates and clients, we conduct thorough screenings and assessments to ensure that candidates possess the necessary skills, experience, and cultural fit for our clients. Additionally, we collaborate with hiring managers to streamline onboarding processes and relay candidate feedback on interview experiences.
We specialise in recruiting for roles within garden retail, such as Plant Area Managers and Horticultural experts, and also cover a wide range of other functions within the industry. If you would like to contact us to discuss any recruitment problems you're currently facing you can call us on 01780 480 530 or email felicity@morepeople.co.uk, ben@morepeople.co.uk or michail@morepeople.co.uk and we'll be happy to assist!
Felicity Mitchell, Ben Woodward & Michail Michailou
Recruitment Consultants for Garden Centres
